The Creation of Arresting Departments at the Maritime Authority in Kherson Governance

Abstract

The article examines the process of formation of arresting departments at the Maritime Authority in Mykolaiv. The reasons underlying the creation of maritime arresting departments and the difficulties that arose during their formation are analysed. In particular, it is found that the main reason was the need for cheap labor for the active development of Mykolaiv and the strengthening of the Black Sea Fleet. Sources of equipment and replenishment of the arresting companies, as well as their location and role in the process of Mykolaiv urbanization and the development of the Black Sea Fleet are studied. The detainees were mostly convicted military men who were transferred from other places of imprisonment to ensure the construction of important facilities of the city and the navy. A large part of the detainees was filled with beggars. The use of their work contributed to the development of the infrastructure of Mykolaiv as an important seaport. The management system of detention centers and their internal structure are also investigated. The detainees were at a low level of the social hierarchy, their rights were limited, and their activities were subject to strict military control. It is concluded that the arresting companies were founded in order to build the infrastructure of Mykolaiv, to meet the needs of the Black Sea Fleet and, in general, to militarize forced labor in the empire in the first half of the 19th century.